Gay Outdoor Club: Surrey Walks 2008

Contact details for Surrey Group

The Surrey Group walks in and around Surrey every fourth Sunday of the month.

Sunday 27 January. A 10 mile walk among rolling hills around the Greensand Ridge south of Godalming. Meet at the war memorial by St John the Baptist at Busbridge. From Godalming take the B2130, signed to Cranleigh and Winkworth Arboretum. About ½ mile from Godalming town centre, you should see the church on your right. Bring a packed lunch.

Sunday 24 February. Ranmore Common, the North Downs and Lakes. A ten-mile walk with good vistas. The walk starts in the NT Ranmore Common car park (pay and display). If coming from London, take the A24 to Dorking, just before Dorking turn right along the A2003, signposted to Guildford, go straight over the mini-roundabout and at the T-junction turn right. Proceed for a mile and the car park is at the top of the hill on the left. Bring a packed lunch. If you need a lift from Dorking Station, please call co-ordinator.

Sunday 30 March. Three Hills Walk. Meet at Winterfold car park number 5. This is a walk of 11 strenuous miles with many hills and possibly muddy. Winterfold Forest is a few miles south of Shere which is west of Dorking. The car park may be hard to find so allow extra time. From Shere go south, after about 2½ miles turn right, it is signposted Winterfold. After a further 700yds or so turn right at Winterfold car park number 4, do not go down the hill. Proceed west along this single track road to pass several car parks. After just under a mile car park number 5 will be on your left. Bring a packed lunch. Your walking efforts will be rewarded with excellent views and scenery.

Sunday 27 April. A spring walk through stunning and varied countryside, 8 miles. Meet at the northern car park on Headley Common Road (B2033). It's the car park with the tea & coffee hut in it (there are two other car parks quite close by). At the end of the walk we are invited for tea and "iced fancies" in Ashtead, about 3 miles from the walk end. Please bring a packed lunch.

Sunday 25 May. A nine-and-a-half mile circular walk starting by the River Wey in the heart of Godalming and taking in the splendours of Winkworth Arboretum and Hydon's Ball. Meet at the Crown Court car park (2 mins walk from Godalming railway station) at the back of Godalming High Street. Access via The Burys to the side of the Waverley Borough Council Offices. Bring a packed lunch.

Friday 20 - Monday 23 June. Isle of Wight weekend. Joint with Solent and Surrey

Saturday 21 June. A 7 1/2 mile circular walk in the south of the island commencing at Niton and climbing the hills to the north of the town, including St.Catherine's Hill and a visit to the Oratory there, and returning via Blackgang and St.Catherine's Point. Meet at Church St. bus stop, Niton. Walk finishes at Rectory Road bus stop. Bring packed lunch.

Sunday 22 June. An 8 3/4 mile linear walk from Ryde to Newport, commencing westwards along the coastal path, visiting Quarr Abbey, Fishbourne, Wootton Bridge and the Steam Railway along the route, and returning by bus from Newport. Start at the Dorset Hotel, 31 Dover Street, Ryde. Picnic lunch at Wootton Common or pub lunch at The Cedars, 2 Station Rd., Wootton Bridge (located at the Common).

Monday 23 June. A visit to Carisbrooke Castle or a trip on the Steam Railway.

Sunday 29 June. A 9-mile linear walk from Merstham including Reigate Hill, Reigate Heath and Redhill Common and ending at Redhill station. Meet at Merstham station, Surrey. Trains to Merstham leave from London Bridge and Victoria. There is free car parking outside the station. At the end of the walk there are trains from Redhill to London at 03, 09, 41 and 46 mins past the hour, car drivers catch the train back from Redhill to Merstham at 03 and 41 mins past the hour. There is a NT refreshment facility on Reigate Hill or bring a packed lunch.

Sunday 27 July. Joint walk with Sussex group. Views and a villa. Bignor Hill and the Roman villa (there will be a chance to visit the remains of the villa with splendid mosaics - admission £4.60) returning along Stane Street, 9 miles. Meet at Bignor Hill car park. From the bottom of Bury Hill on the A29 take the road to West Burton and then on to Bignor. As you approach Bignor at a sharp right-hand bend carry straight on and promptly turn left. This road takes you up onto the Downs and to the car park. Watch out for cars coming down as it is a bit narrow in places. Please bring a packed lunch.

Sunday 24 August. A 9 mile circular walk around and over Blackdown, the second highest point in SE England (918 ft) passing Aldworth House, built by Alfred Lord Tennyson as a summer residence in 1869 and where he died on 6th October 1892. Stunning views over Surrey and Sussex and, on a good day, the English Channel. Meet at the car park in the centre of Haslemere, behind Somerfield supermarket. Bring a packed lunch. If you need a lift from Haslemere Station, please contact the co-ordinator.

Sunday 28 September. Chobham Common. A nine mile circular walk, mostly on the common through heath, scrub and woodland with occasional extensive views over North Surrey. May be muddy. Please bring a packed lunch. Meet at Sunningdale railway station. Trains from Waterloo. Ample free parking for motorists in service road next to London bound platform or in car park behind shops opposite T junction of Chobham Rd and A30.

Sunday 26 October. Autumn colours with splendid views. This circular 9½ mile walk will cover Leith Hill, Friday Street, Abinger and Holmbury. Meet at the Landslip car park, on the minor road between Coldharbour and Forest Green. Coldharbour is about 4 miles south of Dorking. Please bring a packed lunch.


For further information see the GOC Outdoors magazine.